The Detroit Pistons will be back on the field in the NBA Cup on Friday evening. It could be another night where they hit the ground running without their starter, Cade Cunningham.

Going into the match, the Pistons kept Cunningham on the injury report. Fortunately, his status has improved slightly compared to recent games.

According to the injury report, Cunningham is questionable for action against the Indiana Pacers. He will likely be a game-time decision for the match.

Cunningham’s setback first occurred on November 21st when the Pistons visited the Charlotte Hornets. Cunningham had almost finished the match as he completed a 36-minute shift. He suffered a pelvic injury late in the fourth quarter.

The Pistons ruled out Cunningham before Detroit’s overtime game against the Hornets. Detroit ultimately suffered a two-point defeat.

In the following game against the Orlando Magic, the Pistons wasted no time in shutting out Cunningham. They didn’t want to put a timetable on his recovery. The Pistons made their decisions based on how Cunningham felt on game day.

In the next two games, Cunningham saw slight improvement. He was listed as doubtful against the Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies. As expected, Cunningham missed both games.

The good news is that Cunningham did light work in shootaround sessions on the morning of the last two meetings, a sign that he is on track to return soon. Maybe the star guard will make it back in time to play against the Pacers on Friday.

Without Cunningham, the Pistons are 1-2.

This season, the star guard has averaged 24 points, seven rebounds and nine assists while shooting 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from three on 6.2 attempts per game.